• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Salads
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Cookies
    • Pasta
    • Breads
    • Beverages
    • Grilling
    • Seasonings
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Recipe Collections
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe

Smells Like Delish

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Salads
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Cookies
    • Pasta
    • Breads
    • Beverages
    • Grilling
    • Seasonings
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Recipe Collections
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Salads
    • Soup and Stew
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Cookies
    • Pasta
    • Breads
    • Beverages
    • Grilling
    • Seasonings
    • Asian Inspirations
    • Latin Flavors
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Recipe Collections
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Beverages

Published: Oct 16, 2022 · Modified: Apr 28, 2023 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Jump to Recipe

This cozy and comforting hot Apple Cider Bourbon cocktail is the perfect blend of classic flavors for your Autumn gatherings.

Apple cider bourbon cocktail with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21 and up; please enjoy responsibly.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

A smooth caramel notes from the bourbon combines with tart apples to create a complex and delicious flavor combination that pairs perfectly with evenings by the fire.

This hot Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is the perfect easy-to-make beverage to get the festivities started. Combining three of fall’s best flavors - apple cider, cinnamon, and bourbon - this hot cocktail will have guests raving about its beautiful presentation, bold flavor, and smooth richness.

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make a Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Related Recipes
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Tips for Success
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Food Safety
  • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Connect with Smells Like Delish!

Ingredients

With just a few simple ingredients, you don’t need to be a master mixologist to create this hot, hand warming cocktail. Get ready for compliments on what's sure to be an unforgettable end to your evening!

  • Apple Cider or Apple Juice - regular bottled in the grocery aisle is fine.
  • Cinnamon Sticks - about 3" - 4" lengths. You will need one for each mug, plus 3 for the simmering pot.
  • Cloves - use whole cloves
  • Orange - any orange will work, even tangerines or Mandarins.
  • Apples - aim for green, red, and mixed colored apples for a variety of color. One of each is perfect.
  • Bourbon - try to get a good barrel aged bourbon, as it is smoother. Get whatever brand you prefer.
  • Honey - Optional, if you like your beverage sweet, you can add a little honey also.

apples, oranges, and bourbon.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make a Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Perfect for any gathering - whether it be an intimate dinner with friends or a more extravagant party - this hot Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is sure to delight! Apples, bourbon, and cinnamon make this fall bourbon cocktail tart yet sweet.

Slices Apples and Oranges

  1. Cut the orange into slices. Core and slice the apples. Break any long cinnamon sticks into 3" pieces.

fresh cut apples and oranges.

Simmer Cider and Fruit

  1. Place the apple cider or juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and cut apples into a medium size pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

apples and oranges with spices in a simmer pot.

Add Bourbon and Serve

  1. Remove the pot from heat. Using a slotted spoon, lift out the pieces of cooked fruit and spices.

  2. Stir in the bourbon, and serve this bourbon cider cocktail in mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and thin apple wedge slices. Serve immediately.

You can also make bourbon cider cocktail in a Crockpot. Add the cider, spices, and fruit and set on the high setting for 2 hours. Lift the cooked fruit and spice out with a slotted spoon. Add the bourbon and stir. Serve immediately, garnishing with cinnamon stick and extra apple slices.

pitcher of apple cider cocktail in a glass with apple slices and a pitcher in the background.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this warming cocktail for an outdoor marshmallow roast, an evening by the fire, or even to adult Christmas carolers. A hot mug of bourbon Apple Cider will warm them up from the inside out.

For some additional spirited cocktails to offer your guests, see our Grasshopper Martini, Cranberry Mimosa, and Winter Wassail drinks.

Apple cider bourbon cocktail with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Related Recipes

  • 30 Minute Bourbon Chicken Skillet
  • Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
  • Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Sauce
  • Spooky Candy Apple Slices
  • Tequila Sunrise Cocktails
  • Jim Beam Old Fashioned

Substitutions

If you are feeling REALLY adventurous, you can substitute non alcoholic apple cider for hard apple cider. You can also make this a non alcoholic mocktail simply by omitting the bourbon. You can add a ½ teaspoon of Rum flavoring if you want a little more depth of flavor in your apple cider mocktail.

Variations

Some great ideas on flavor variations:

  • Cranberries - add some fresh cranberries to the simmering pot of apple cider, and garnish the mugs with cranberries also.
  • Pears - Sliced pears pair well with the apples if you prefer them to oranges.
  • Star Anise or Allspice Berries - Use either or both of these lovely whole spices in the simmer pot or as garnish.

Equipment

Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. You can make a family size batch of this bourbon cider cocktail, or you can use a crockpot to make large party size batch.

  • 3 quart Saucepan
  • 6 quart Crockpot

Storage

Remove any remaining fruit and spices from any leftover bourbon and apple cider mixture. Pour into a pitcher glass jar and seal. Keep in the refrigerator, and pour into mugs. Microwave for 1 minute to reheat.

Tips for Success

  • Using a crockpot allows your Apple Cider bourbon cocktail to stay hot for an extended duration during a party.
  • Do not leave the cinnamon and cloves in the simmering pot for more than 30 minutes, as they will slowly turn the apple cider a little bitter over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze any leftover bourbon apple cocktail?

Yes, a great idea is to pour some leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze. Store the frozen bourbon apple cocktail mixture in a freezer bag. Pull out and pop into a glass of sparkling wine or water for a great summer cooler.

Food Safety

  • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
  • Wash hands after touching raw meat
  • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
  • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

📖 Recipe

cider cocktail in a glass with apple slices.
Print Recipe SaveSaved!
5 from 1 vote

Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

This cozy and comforting hot Apple Cider Bourbon cocktail is the perfect blend of classic flavors for your Autumn gatherings.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Beverages, Christmas, Thanksgiving
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10
Calories: 231kcal
Author: Kelly Bloom

Equipment

  • Crock Pot 6 qt Slow cooker
  • 3 qt Saucepan

Ingredients

  • 64 oz Apple Cider or Apple Juice
  • 6 Cinnamon sticks about 3" long
  • 12 Cloves whole
  • 4 Apples varied colors, cored and sliced - skins on
  • 2 Oranges Sliced into thin circles, peels left on
  • 2 cups Bourbon
  • 8 Cinnamon stick extra - one per mug
  • 2 Apples extra to garnish each mug
  • Honey optional, use to taste if you want a sweeter cocktail
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Cut the orange into slices. Core and slice the apples. Break any long cinnamon sticks into 3" pieces.
    4 Apples, 2 Oranges
  • Place the apple cider or juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and cut apples into a medium size pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
    64 oz Apple Cider, 12 Cloves, 6 Cinnamon sticks
  • Remove the pot from heat. Using a slotted spoon, lift out the pieces of cooked fruit and spices. Stir in the bourbon, and serve this bourbon cider cocktail in mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and thin apple wedge slices. Add honey to taste if desired. Serve immediately.
    2 cups Bourbon, 8 Cinnamon stick, 2 Apples, Honey

Notes

  • Using a crockpot allows your Apple Cider bourbon cocktail to stay hot for an extended duration during a party.
  • Do not leave the cinnamon and cloves in the simmering pot for more than 30 minutes, as they will slowly turn the apple cider a little bitter over time.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword : apple bourbon cocktail, apple cider bourbon cocktail, bourbon apple cocktail, bourbon cider cocktail, fall bourbon cocktail

Connect with Smells Like Delish!

  • Instagram
  • Yummly
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

More Beverage Recipes

  • glass of sparkling apple juice with lime slice and melon ball.
    Portuguese Vinho Verde Sangria
  • Garnished Fuzzy Navel on a white background.
    Peach Fuzzy Navel Cocktails
  • peaches and cream smoothie in a water goblet.
    Peaches and Cream Smoothie
  • two glasses of blueberries, strawberries, sparkling wing and orange juice brunch sangria.
    Mint Berry White Sangria Cooler

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Author photo for Kelly Bloom

Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and ease of preparation - to create satisfying fare!

More about me →

Grilling

  • wide mouth spice storage jar on it's side spilling out dry turkey rub seasoning blend.
    Smoked Turkey Rub
  • pineapple mango salsa.
    33 Most Popular Condiments For Cookouts
  • barbeque ribs on white paper with orange basting brush with barbecue sauce on it
    22 Secret Grill Master Traeger Recipes
  • serving plate with corn on the cob and sliced beef.
    Balsamic Grilled Sirloin Steak
See more Grilling →

Trending

  • cracker barrel chicken and dumplings in a bowl.
    Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
  • cut loaf of herb bread on cutting board.
    Twisted Garlic Herb Bread
  • plate of salmon and asparagus on a white background.
    Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus
  • white platter of bbq boneless pork ribs with asparagus on white plate.
    Country Style Boneless Pork Ribs
See more Reader Favorites →

Recent Recipes

  • slow cooker vegetable soup in a serving bowl.
    Easy Crockpot Vegetable Soup
  • two blueberry lemon bars stacked on a plate.
    Blueberry Lemon Dump Cake Bars
  • cider cocktail in a glass with apple slices.
    37 Fall Oktoberfest Celebration Recipes
  • baked sausage filled crescent roll appetizers.
    Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
See more All-Recipes Index →

Desserts

  • plate of chocolate no bake preacher cookies.
    Preacher Cookies (Cow Chip Cookies)
  • baked apples with walnuts and cranberries.
    Crockpot Cranberry Stuffed Apples
  • Cinnamon buttercream on an apple spice cupcake.
    Apple Cider Cupcakes
  • one cinnamon apple rolls on a serving plate.
    Cinnamon Apple Rolls
See more Desserts →

Salads

  • blueberry kale crunch salad in a bowl with feta cheese crumbled on top.
    Blueberry Kale Crunch Salad
  • Serving bowl of wild rice salad on a white background with apples and olive oil nearby.
    Cold Wild Rice Apple Salad
  • cranberry pecan chicken salad in pita pockets on a plate with a dill pickle.
    Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
  • Panera's strawberry poppy seed salad.
    Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera)
See more Salads →

Footer

↑ back to top

ABOUT

  • Home
  • About Kelly
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Newsletter
  • Web Stories

RECIPES

  • Holiday Recipes
  • Casseroles
  • One Pot Meals
  • Sheet Pan Meals
  • Condiments
  • Charcuterie
  • Pantry & Preserving
  • Recipe Collections

TOOLS & TIPS

  • Reader Fav's
  • Cheap Meals Ideas
  • Cooking Basics
  • Diet Friendly
  • Seasonings
  • Shop Our Kitchen
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Mastodon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Smells Like Delish · All Right Reserved ·
2850 Northwest Bucklin Hill Rd. Silverdale, WA 98383 · Sitemap